Executive Staff

		*Chief Executive Officer, Henry Morris* Chief Executive Officer, Henry Morris is a St. Louis, MO native who grew up in its Public Housing Community. He attended Meramec Junior College (1970-1972) in Kirkwood, MO; earned a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Blackburn College (1972-1974) located in Carlinville, IL; and a M.A. Degree in Social Justice from the University of Illinois (1974-1975) in Springfield, IL. The CEO also holds a Real-estate License and earned his Public Housing Management Certification in 1981. He entered the Public Housing field in April, 1976 as Social Services Coordinator, was promoted to Housing Manager in 1978, then promoted to Executive Director in April, 1979, all at the Springfield Housing Authority in Springfield, IL. He served in that capacity until August, 1990. His major achievement in Springfield was the development of scattered site housing for large families and disabled populations Morris became Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Joliet, IL in April, 1991, taking over a Troubled Housing Agency that in 1996 became a High Performer in the Public Housing Program and eventually the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Under Morris’ guidance, the HAJ has been designated a High Performer pursuant to PHMAP/PHAS five (5) of seventeen (17) years; and under SEMAP six (6) of eight (8) years. Celebrating his thirty second (32nd) year in the Assisted Housing Field, Morris has served also on Boards of the Public Housing Authority Directors Association (PHADA), the Illinois Public Housing Finance Corporation (IPHFC), Will County Community Development Advisory Board and several other Boards. He is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) , Public Housing Authority Directors Associations (PHADA) and other Housing organizations.
		*Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Michael Simelton* Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Michael Simelton, as a youth grew up in the Aurora, IL Public Housing Program. Simelton earned an A.S. Degree from Wabaunsee Community College (Aurora, IL) and has taken courses towards a B.A. Degree in Business Technology at Governor’s State University (University Park, IL). He is certified as a Tax Credit Specialist, Manager of Maintenance, Housing Quality Standards Inspector, Lead Sampling Technician, Rehabilitation and Construction Specialist, Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Inspector and certified in Rent Calculation. Simelton graduated in January, 2005 from the Executive Director Education Program (EDEP), sponsored by Rutger’s University and the Public housing Authority Directors’ Association (PHADA) and has continually demonstrated a commitment to his professional growth by enhancing his knowledge and skills in the Assisted Housing field. Professionally, in 1980, he began his employment at the Aurora (Illinois) Housing Authority as a Maintenance Mechanic, then in 1983 he was promoted to the Modernization/Development Program Coordinator. Simelton then accepted the Construction Administration Manager position at the Housing Authority of Joliet in 1989 and was promoted to Director of Technical Services in 1992. His leadership and direction of the Modernization, maintenance, Housing Inspection and Development Departments consistently contributed high marks to the Authority’s overall performance. As a key executive level management player, Simelton has had a valuable positive impact on the Authority’s many achievements and in improving the quality of life of its program participants. Simelton’s Division coordinated the innovative Energy Performance Contract, Capital Fund Bond Pool, Mixed Income housing and Supportive Living Program initiatives, as well as effectively operated a high quality Capital Fund Program that averaged $2,000,000 annually. In 2007 Simelton was promoted to Chief Operation Officer, Region 2 under the transition to Asset Management, and in 2008 promoted to Deputy Chief Executive Officer. His expertise and skills will contribute significantly to the Authority’s transition under the new system.
		*Chief Operating Officer Conventional Housing Programs, Mark Jakielski* Chief Operating Officer of Conventional Housing Programs, Mark Jakielski earned a B.S. Degree in Industrial Technology from Iowa State University and has completed twelve (12) credit hours toward a Master of Science Degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. He is a Certified Public Housing Manager, certified in Public Housing Program and Housing Choice Voucher Program Eligibility and Rent Calculations, certified as a Uniform Physical Conditions Standards Specialist and is a Tax Credit Specialist. He began his employment with the Housing Authority in August, 1989 as the Modernization Program Coordinator, was promoted to Director of Housing management in August, 1992. Housing Management Program operations have steadily improved throughout the years, culminating in the Housing Authority receiving high scores under the PHAS (Public Housing Assessment System) and SEMAP (Section Eight Management Assessment Program) performance indicators. These improvements have been important to the Housing Authority’s achievement of High Performer designation in both the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Jakielski headed the Public Housing Management, Housing Choice Voucher Program, Social Services and Resident Security Departments. Through his special skill of coordinating and writing special program grants, such as the Public Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP), Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Program, TeenREACH Program, Elderly Services Program, etc., the Housing Authority has been awarded more than $8 million in funding to support increased resident service programs and activities. Jakielski graduated in January, 2007 from the Executive Director Education Program (EDEP) sponsored by Rutger’s University and the Public Housing Directors’ Association (PHADA). As a key player in the Authority’s improvement, progress and achievements since 1991 he was promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer, Region 1 under the transition to Asset Management, then Chief Operating Officer of Conventional Housing Programs in 2008. The COO is expected to make significant contributions under the new system.
		*Chief Operating Officer Assisted Housing Programs, Quo Hightower* Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Housing Programs, Quo Hightower is a thirty (30) year veteran of the Assisted Housing field. She began her employment in 1978 as a Housing Manager at the Housing Authority of LaSalle County, IL; became a Housing Manager Supervisor and Housing Management Specialist (1989-2001) at the Housing Authority of Joliet, IL. In 2001 she accepted the Internal Auditor and Director of Section 8 position at the Peoria, IL Housing Authority (2001-2004). She was reemployed at the Housing Authority of Joliet as the Special Programs Administrator in June, 2004. Hightower is a certified Tax Credit Specialist, certified in Section 8 Management, certified as a Public housing and Section 8 Housing Manager. In 2007, under the new Asset Management System, she was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Operating Officer because of her knowledge, skills, quality control and professionalism in the administration of the Public Housing and Section 8 housing Choice Voucher Program. In 2008 she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Assisted Housing Programs.
		*Chief Financial Officer, T. Anthony Bell* T. Anthony Bell is the Chief Financial Officer for the Housing Authority of Joliet. Mr. Bell is Certified Public Accountant and a Registered Investment Advisor. He brings an extensive audit and financial consulting experience to the current Housing Authority team with over 15 years of public and private accounting experience. Mr. Bell received his MBA; Master of Finance from Saint Louis University and his BBA in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University. In his spare time, Tony likes to research and trade corporate stocks and bonds.
		*Chief Administrative Officer, Maria Cottrell* Maria Cottrell is an eighteen (18) year veteran of the Housing Authority of Joliet. She began her employment in February 13, 1990 in the Public Housing Department maintaining a very close relationship with not only the Chief Executive Officer, but also the Board of Commissioners, Legal Counsel and Executive level staff. She is recognized for her knowledge of overall housing operations and the relationship each department and division has in the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. As Chief Administrative officer, Maria’s responsibilities are inclusive of, but not limited to, Human Resources Administration, Risk Management, Union Negotiations, Public Relations and Professional Development and Training.
		*HCV Coordinator, Joyce Johnson* Transition HCV Coordinator, Joyce Johnson attended Joliet Junior College, earning sixty-four (64) credit hours towards an Associates Degree in Computer Science. She began her professional career at the Housing Authority as a Section 8 Clerk in 1983; was promoted to Section 8 Data Manager in 1988; and then promoted to Section 8 Program Coordinator in 1990. The twenty-five (25) year housing veteran has been certified in Section 8 HCV Rent Calculation Specialist, Section 8 Occupancy Specialist and HCV Specialist. She’s attended numerous related training sessions and seminars throughout the years which have given her the knowledge and expertise to perform at a high level. The HCV Coordinator is known for her no-nonsense approach and for running a tight ship. These efforts have contributed to the efficiency of program operations and its High Performer designation under SEMAP in six (6) of eight (8) years.
		*Finance & Accounts Manager, Veronica Rosas* Finance & Accounts Manager, Veronica Rosas began er employment with the Authority in 1991 as the Tenant Accounts Receivable Clerk. In 1996 she was promoted to the position of Accounts Payable Clerk, then in 2003 promoted to Finance and Accounts Manager. Rosas also acts as the Authority’s Management Information System (MIS) Specialist. As a student at Robert Morris University, she is working to earn her B.S. Degree in Business Accounting. While working on her degree, Rosas is also attending Assisted Housing budgeting, finance and accounting seminars designed to upgrade her skills and knowledge. In 2007 the Authority retained the Fee Accounting Services of Hawkins, Ash, Baptie and Company, HABCO as opposed to employing a Director of Finance. Veronica has worked closely with HABCO meeting the Financial Management and budgetary needs of the Authority.
		*Financial Analyst/Planner, Michael Niemczyk* Michael Niemczyk joined the Housing Authority of Joliet December 2009 as a financial analyst/planner. Before joining the Housing Authority Mr. Niemczyk operated an independent consulting practice providing financial expertise to real estate developers and property owners. Mr. Niemczyk received his formal education from the University of Wisconsin Madison where he double-majored in Finance, Investments and Banking and Real Estate and Urban Land Economics.
		*Will County Housing Development Corportaion Coordinator, Tina Pourroy* Tina earned an Associates in Arts Degree in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. In 1996 she began her housing experience at the Kankakee Housing Authority in the position of Assistant Director of Technical Services/Modernization Assistant. In 1999, Pourroy began her employment with the Housing Authority of Joliet in the position of Administrative Assistant to the Director of Technical Services, where she gained expertise in the development of affordable housing, capital fund bond pool, energy performance contracting, demolition/disposition of Public Housing and related finance projects; networking with City, County, State and Federal agencies, as well as private sector entities qualifies Tina for this position. Tina Pourroy was promoted to the new position of WCHDC Coordinator, a 501c3 Not For Profit affiliate of the Housing Authority of Joliet. The Instrumentality’s Mission is specifically to foster low income housing and to develop and promote affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for families and individuals throughout Will County, Illinois.
		*Technical Services Coordinator, Henry Vianzon* Henry Vianzon earned a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from Feati University in Manila, Philippines. The Electrical Engineer and Designer worked on the U.S. Naval Base in the Philippines; in Brunei, Iran, Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Pakistan with International Consulting Engineering firms. Employed as Construction Manager in August of 1999 by the Authority, Vianzon was promoted to Technical Services Coordinator in October, 1999. His experience in residential, commercial and industrial projects has been invaluable in the administration of Capital Fund Improvements, Energy Performance contracting, Substantial Rehabilitation projects and Redevelopment Initiatives. The Technical Services coordinator is recognized as a dedicated, loyal, honest, professional employee whose attention to detail has saved the Authority thousands of dollars.
		*Construction Manager, Dave Gentile* Dave rejoined the Housing Authority of Joliet in 2007 after an eight (8) year stint as facility Director of Chicagoland Speedway. He assumes the Construction Manager position which he previously held for two (2) years (1997-1999). The former owner of Dave’s Construction (1980-1999) brings more than twenty (20) years of new construction, remodeling/rehabilitation, and related construction expertise to the Authority. The extensive development experience Dave has will be invaluable in the Authority’s goals to develop Mixed Income Housing communities and pursue other entrepreneurial initiatives designed to assist the Authority become less dependent on Federal Funding
		*FSS Coordinator / Social Services Coordinator, Dale Evans* R. Dale Evans joined the Housing Authority of Joliet as its Social Services Coordinator in February, 2003. Dale’s three (3) year tenure with NEXT MEDIA Corp. as Account Executive and local Sales Manager exposed hm to numberous public and private sector businesses which benefit the Authority in the public relations arena. Dale serves on several Boards inclusive of First Tee of Joliet, Joliet Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Joliet Grade School District Community Council and Workforce Development Youth Council. He is President of the Community Services Council of Will County Inc. and Honorary Chairperson for the 2004 Fire Department Fire Prevention Week. Through his networking abilities, positive socio-economic programs and self-sufficiency initiatives have been developed and implemented within the assisted housing community The public relations skills and networking abilities of the Social Services Coordinator has contributed to enhancing the image of the Authority within the City, County and State.
		*Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator, Deborah Ross* Deborah Ross earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan in 1976 graduating Suma Cum Laude. In addition Ms. Ross earned a Masters in Business Administration from University of Chicago in 1984. She holds numerous Continuing Education certifications inclusive of Social Service, Family Self-Sufficiency, Management, Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Total Quality Management and Customer Service. Ms. Ross has over 25 years in the Social Services field. Prior to joining the Housing Authority of Joliet in July 2009 she was employed at a major Chicago tertiary care Medical Center as Director of a Patient Advocate program assisting patients with social, economical, psychological and emotional needs. She also worked in the insurance field as Provider Relations Manager responsible for coordinating benefits for members and/or families in unusual or extensive short and long term medical crisis. Ms. Ross serves on the Board of Directors for First Impression, and Agape Group and is involved in various civic and community groups. She is also founder of Vessels a group for women in the Ministry.
		*Facilities Manager, Roy Finley* Roy Finley has worked in the Public Housing field thirty-one (31) years, since 1977. He worked in the position of Maintenance Mechanic II, and Maintenance lead person at the Aurora, IL Housing Authority (1977-1991); and Supervisor of Maintenance Crews, Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Coordinator/Relocation Officer and Manager of inventory Warehouse Fleet Manager (1991-2001) at the Assistant maintenance superintendent at the housing Authority of Joliet, IL on December 24, 2001. Finley is Certified as a Public Housing Manager, Certified Manager of Maintenance, Certified as a Uniform Physical Condition Standards Specialist. He was recognized as the HAJ’s 2003 Outstanding Employee of the Year. Finley’s expertise, tenacity and attention to detail has been invaluable in improving unit turnaround time, reducing on-demand work orders and increasing overall staff accountability. Under the new Asset Management System, Finley has been assigned to the position of Facilities Manager.
		*Facilities Manager, Mike Gentile* Twenty-two (22) year Housing Authority of Joliet veteran, Mike Gentile moved up the ranks since being employed as an Inventory clerk in 1986. He was promoted to Purchasing Agent in 1988; Maintenance Mechanic in 1989; and was Maintenance Superintendent in 1994. Gentile has been recognized for his outstanding knowledge, skills, analytical abilities and dedication to the Housing Authority in each position he has held. The Certified Manager of Maintenance’s knowledge of construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, inspections, architecture and related fields has benefited the Authority’s administration and operation of capital improvement, maintenance HAJ Housing Developments in such a manner as to earn an average score of 91 or more under PHAS the Physical Condition Indicator for several years. Gentile has been assigned to the Lead Facilities Manager position under the Asset Management transition. He has responsibility for Region 2 and the Central Office Cost Center.